Wegmans Sunday Sauce Recipe: Hearty Italian-Style Marinara Perfection

I’ve perfected my Wegmans Sunday Sauce Recipe to capture the essence of a traditional Italian Sunday dinner. This hearty marinara sauce is made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection, just like Nonna used to make.

With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfect for pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce – making your Sunday gatherings truly special.

Ingredients for Wegmans Sunday Sauce

Simple, quality ingredients make this Sunday sauce truly special and delicious.

The tomatoes are non-negotiable. San Marzano gives that authentic sweetness and low acidity. Look for ‘DOP’ or ‘San Marzano’ on the can—not just ‘Italian tomatoes’. Most grocery stores carry them, but if you’re having trouble finding them, Whole Foods or specialty Italian stores will have them. I usually grab mine from Wegmans when I’m doing a big batch.

No red wine? Beef broth with a splash of balsamic gets you close, but honestly, the wine adds depth. Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried works at one-third the amount. If you’re using dried, Penzeys has the good stuff. The garlic can be eyeballed, but measure the salt—the sauce can handle a lot of garlic, but too much salt is a problem. For a richer flavor, use high-quality olive oil.

This sauce gets better with time. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. I portion mine into containers so I can grab what I need. Reheats beautifully—just add a splash of water if it’s too thick. Freezing in ice cube trays is perfect for single servings or adding to soups.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Wegmans Sunday Sauce

Here’s the method that’ll get you that perfect Sunday sauce – straightforward and delicious.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics in Olive Oil

Heat the 0.25 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the finely chopped 1 whole Yellow Onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion is soft and fragrant.

Next, add the 6 cloves Garlic Cloves that you’ve minced. Stir constantly for 1 minute to prevent burning. The garlic should be fragrant and slightly golden – this is where your sauce starts to develop its depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the 2 cans Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes. Add 1 tsp Dried Oregano, 1 tsp Dried Basil, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You should see tiny bubbles breaking the surface – not a full-on boil. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by about 1/4 cup. You’ll notice the flavors melding together and the sauce becoming richer.

Step 3: Enhance with Red Wine and Finish

If you’re using 0.5 cup Red Wine, add it to the saucepan after the initial 20-30 minutes of simmering. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce has absorbed most of the wine and the flavors have deepened. The wine adds a layer of complexity to the sauce.

Finally, stir in the 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves that you’ve chopped. This adds a fresh, herbaceous note to balance the rich, cooked flavors. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the basil to infuse into the sauce.

Step 4: Serve Your Perfect Sunday Sauce

Your sauce is now ready to serve. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it over your favorite pasta, meatballs, or sausages. This sauce makes a great base for many Italian dishes and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for later use.

Flavor Customization for wegmans sunday sauce

Spicy Italian Twist

To add some heat to your Sunday sauce, introduce 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes during the onion and garlic sauté. This will give your sauce a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. For an even spicier version, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of regular sausage. 🔥

Meat-Enhanced Variations

For a heartier sauce, you can add 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage to the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Brown the meat thoroughly before adding the tomatoes. This will add depth and richness to your sauce. You can also add 1-2 cups meatballs or sausage slices to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of simmering.

Mushroom Enrichment

Sautéed mushrooms can add an earthy flavor to your Sunday sauce. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) to the saucepan with the onions and garlic. You can also add dried porcini mushrooms rehydrated in hot water for added depth. This will give your sauce a rich, umami flavor.

Herb Variations

While traditional Sunday sauce uses basil and oregano, you can experiment with other herbs to create different flavor profiles. Try adding 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp bay leaves to the sauce for a unique twist. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresher flavor.

Wine Substitutions

If you don’t have red wine or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with beef broth or vegetable broth. You can also use a combination of broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth of red wine. This will still result in a rich and flavorful sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Your Sunday sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much. Reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. ❄️